ESTHETICIANS: Provides relative to esthetics. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham and 3 co-sponsors

Louisiana expands esthetics to include blow drying as an esthetic service, broadening scope for licensed practitioners while keeping dermatological treatment and electrolysis exclu

Effective date 8/1/2026.

Summary of Bill: SB 54 (2026) – Louisiana

Purpose and intent

Modernizes and clarifies the regulatory definition of “esthetics” under Louisiana law.

Specifically adds blow drying hair services to the activities considered part of esthetics.

Effective date: August 1, 2026.

Key provisions and changes

Amends Louisiana Revised Statutes (R.S. 37:563(8)) to redefine “Esthetics” within the chapter governing cosmetology, esthetics, hair dressing, and manicuring.

The revised definition of esthetics now includes:

Blow drying hair services
The full range of existing esthetic practices (e.g., facial/neck massage, eyebrow dyeing/trimming, eyelash enhancements, hair removal via cosmetic preparations, threading, waxing, cleansing/beautifying the face, neck, arms, bust, upper body, legs, and feet)
Use of hands, mechanical or electrical devices, and cosmetic preparations
Procedures such as micro-dermabrasion, epidermabrasion, or particle exfoliation with equipment/methodology approved by the board

The definition retains exclusions:

Diagnosis, treatment, or therapy of any dermatological condition
Electrolysis (hair removal process)

Who or what is affected

Practitioners and licensing framework for estheticians in Louisiana.

Any individuals or businesses operating under the scope of esthetics will be affected by the expanded scope to include blow drying as part of esthetic services.

The relevant regulatory board (implied) that approves equipment and methodologies for esthetic procedures will continue to oversee compliance and approvals.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill amends and reenacts the existing statute (R.S. 37:563(8)).

Effective date: August 1, 2026.

Legislative history indicates passage through committee and both chambers with broad support (as reflected in voting record prior to final enactment).

Potential impact and considerations

Practitioners who previously offered only traditional esthetic services may now perform blow drying as part of esthetics, potentially affecting staffing, training, and scope-of-practice determinations.

Regulatory clarity may reduce ambiguity around what constitutes esthetic services, aiding licensing, enforcement, and consumer protection.

No changes to the exclusion for dermatological treatment or electrolysis; these remain outside the esthetics scope.

Businesses may need to ensure equipment and methodologies used for new included services are approved by the Louisiana Board.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, licensing boards, salon owners) or provide a side-by-side comparison with the current statute.